Lampard set for New York City

New York City FC looks to be the destination for the Premier League legend, Frank Lampard, after it has been reported that he has agreed terms with the new franchise.

With Lampard on the official list of players released by Chelsea, including the likes of Ashley Cole and Samuel Eto’o, it seems very possible that Lampard will be ending his 13-year stay at the club.

The 35-year-old has been linked with a move to the ‘Big Apple’ since January this year, and it now appears that he will indeed make the switch across the Atlantic.

Lampard will feel he has a lot to offer the game still, as he remains Chelsea’s all time leading scorer with 211 goals and he is the top-scoring midfielder that the Premier League has ever seen.

His awareness will play a huge part in a successful MLS career and his trademark finishing in and around the box make him an ideal acquisition for most teams.

Lampard and Atletico Madrid’s David Villa have both been linked to New York City, so the future is looking very exciting for Major League Soccer and the new club.

There are reasons to note why this might be a good time for ‘Lamps’ to knock his love affair with Chelsea on the head.

If he doesn’t have a successful World Cup campaign people will undoubtedly question whether or not he still has the ability to perform at the highest level.

The profile of Lampard and the huge worldwide following he has will bring forward another increase into the ever growingly popular MLS.

Off the back of the previous season with Chelsea, Lampard featured in almost 50 games, but his goal output was his lowest since joining the club, with a mere 6 goals, compared to the previous season’s total of 17.

It’s the right time to move on and the experience Lampard could bring to New York City is unprecedented, a calm head, not only on the field but in the dressing room as well, and training will bring forward a wealth of resources to upcoming players and the coaching staff.

The pressures Lampard would face by moving to another top-flight English club would also be significantly less if he were to join New York City, and could be an easier move for him compared to the links he has had with Uncle Harry Redknapp at Premier League bound QPR.

The deal is yet to be officially announced but it seems to be nearing completion after both Lampard and Villa met with New York City manager Jason Kreis, at Manchester City’s Carrington training ground, who has been in charge at the Manchester City owned franchise since January.

The England veteran will turn 36 during the World Cup but by no means is under any pressure to finish his career as Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs proved, playing on until age 40.